Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Hydrological Authority (HYDRO), Dr Sylvester Darko, has called for a proactive, year-round approach to disaster and flood risk management in the country.
Speaking in an interview with GhanaWeb’s Etsey Atisu on January 15, 2026, Dr Darko said Ghana often responds to flooding only when events occur, rather than preparing in advance.
“What we do before the season itself is more important than what we do during the event. Whatever you do before the event will impact positively when the disaster occurs,” he explained.
He stressed that disaster management should not be limited to the rainy season but should be a continuous process throughout the year, including community education, sensitization, and preventive measures.
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Dr Darko also noted the role of the seven-member task force established in March 2025 to address flooding.
He said the task force has helped put some communities and authorities ‘in check,’ particularly in preventing illegal construction in water retention areas.
However, he admitted that sustaining such initiatives remains a challenge.
“The problem we have in this country is our ability to sustain our initiatives,” he said, adding that long-term commitment is crucial for effective flood control.
Watch the video below:
Flood management should be a continuous process – Ghana Hydro Authority
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